Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, has approved a new minimum wage of ₦104,000 for civil servants, marking a significant pay raise for the state workforce. The announcement was made during a meeting with labour union leaders at the Government House in Owerri on Tuesday evening.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the governor’s decision raises the minimum wage from the previous ₦76,000 to ₦104,000. Salaries for other sectors were also adjusted—medical doctors will now earn ₦503,000, up from ₦215,000, while lecturers in tertiary institutions will receive ₦222,000, an increase from ₦119,000.
Uzodimma explained that his administration has navigated numerous challenges, including insecurity, the COVID-19 pandemic, economic reforms, and issues surrounding subsidy removal and wage negotiations. He emphasized the importance of maintaining a strong relationship between the government and organized labour, stating that improved worker compensation boosts productivity, strengthens families, and fuels local economic growth.
He described the new wage structure as a strategic investment in the people of Imo and reaffirmed his commitment to prioritizing workers’ welfare. The governor also highlighted progress in the state’s finances, revealing that monthly internally generated revenue (IGR) has risen from ₦400 million to over ₦3 billion. Additionally, the state’s monthly federal allocation has grown from between ₦5 billion and ₦7 billion in 2020 to ₦14 billion currently.
Imo’s debt profile, he added, has significantly decreased—from over ₦280 billion in 2020 to under ₦100 billion. He recalled the poor state of infrastructure at the start of his administration and said massive investments have been made in road construction and security improvements.
Uzodimma acknowledged the impact of fuel subsidy removal on the cost of living but expressed optimism about the long-term benefits. He assured that both the increased revenue and the gains from national reforms would be used transparently for the benefit of ordinary citizens.
In further support of workers and pensioners, the governor announced that the state will commence the payment of the final batch of ₦16 billion in gratuities owed to retirees on August 27. He also outlined reforms in the health sector, including the launch of a health insurance scheme and the upgrading of medical facilities across the state.
Additionally, the governor stated that Imo had adopted a federal initiative aimed at establishing 1,000 businesses in every active INEC ward. He urged labour unions to continue fostering strong cooperation with the government while discouraging unproductive and unethical practices among civil servants.
In response, Mr. Uchechigemezu Nwigwe, Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Imo, praised the wage increase as a major win for workers in the state. He commended Governor Uzodimma’s commitment to worker welfare, noting that Imo now ranks among the top states in terms of minimum wage.
“Today, no worker in Imo can say they’ve been neglected by your administration,” Nwigwe said, offering prayers for the governor’s continued success and pledging greater dedication from the workforce.
The Chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) in the state, Mr. Uchenna Ibe, also applauded the governor for his bold initiatives and political will, particularly the decision to increase the minimum wage.